At lunchtime I bought a huge orange—
The size of it made us all laugh.
I peeled it and shared it with Robert and Dave—
They got quarters and I had a half.

And that orange, it made me so happy,
As ordinary things often do
Just lately. The shopping. A walk in the park.
This is peace and contentment. It’s new.

The rest of the day was quite easy.
I did all the jobs on my list
And enjoyed them and had some time over.
I love you. I’m glad I exist.

Wendy Cope, “The Orange”

Now may be the best time in the history of the world for learning about other religions. It’s important to note before I express that this thought that it isn’t the perfect time; biases, stereotypes, conflicts, and more within world religions do keep many of us from enjoying complete interfaith engagement. At the same time, however, the world is much more open-minded today than it has been in previous centuries. Information about other faiths has never been as accessible. Because of the environment in which we live, we have the opportunity to better know any faith community in the world.

For proselytizing religions, this is especially true. Tools like the internet, books, social media, and more have the power to bring others closer to God. I think it’s beautiful that so many religions choose to share their beliefs with others and foster an environment of learning. Even if no one converts, the world at large, as well as small communities, will benefit from religious openness.

As a student of world religion, I appreciate these tools that can spread faith. As a member and returned missionary of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I appreciate them even more. I recently had the chance to visit the LDS temple in Rome, Italy which helped me appreciate the desire to share belief and engage in interfaith communities.

While active members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are the only people allowed to enter a temple, Rome has a visitor’s center on the same grounds. The intent is to explain the basic beliefs of the church (including what a temple is) to anyone who is curious to learn. I loved walking through the visitor’s center because I felt that it explained my beliefs well. It made me happy to belong to a church that is eager to share its beliefs with those of other faiths. It also made me wonder what all believers could do in their individual lives to share more with the people around them.

Religion is a loaded topic, and it always will be. But there are so many ways to share faith with others. When we do, everyone is better off.

What are ways that you share your faith?

Proselytize

“To induce/recruit someone to convert to one’s faith.”

“Proselytize.” Merriam-Webster Dictionary. (https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/proselytize)

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Culturally called the “Mormon Church,” The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints prefers its full title to emphasize its Christian beliefs. Believe that God has called a modern-day prophet to restore the Jesus Christ’s Church, which was corrupted. Teachings include increasing focus on the Savior, caring for the poor, ending personal conflict in lives, and strengthening families.

“Jesus Christ’s Church Is Restored.” The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.(www.churchofjesuschrist.org/welcome/restored-church-of-jesus-christ?lang=eng)

LDS Temple

“Temples are literally houses of the Lord and the only places on earth where families can be united forever. In temples, we draw nearer to our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ…In hundreds of temples worldwide, faithful members of the Church find opportunities for peaceful reflection and for learning more about God’s plan of happiness and Jesus Christ’s role in that plan. Temple worship teaches us who we are and what we can become. Inside temples, families can be united for eternity. People can perform saving ordinances such as baptism for their ancestors who died without that opportunity, making God’s greatest blessings available to all, no matter when or where they were born.”

“What Are Temples?” Come Unto Christ. (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/comeuntochrist/article/temples)